Speed testing -x16 vs. -x1 with PCI Express video cards

We did post an article on our web site, please check this link for details and test results.

This article is a result of interactions with our customers interested in using our xprs-px-x16 product with a PCI Express -x16 video card.

Since our xprs-px-x16 product handles -x4/-x8/-x16 PCI Express peripheral cards on a -x1 connection, we became curious on what is the speed difference.

We did download 2 benchmark speed tests, and used 2 PCI Express -x16 video cards on the same motherboard/system. We did find what is the speed difference when the same peripheral card is used in -x16 mode, and when it works with our xprs-px-x16 product in a -x1 mode.

A PCI Express -x16 card is normally plugged in a -x16 connector, as shown on the image below. This is the '-x16' mode in our tests.

When the PCI Express -x16 card is plugged in our xprs-px-x16  product as shown on the image below, it works in '-x1' mode.

The results of the tests show a difference in the speed - in some cases it is a small percentage, while for 'Complex 3D Graphics' test is several times difference.

You got -x4/-x8/-x16 PCI Express peripheral cards, and want to use them outside of a system, through a cable. The '-x1' mode of connection is still 'good enough' in most of the cases.

If you are curious on what is the speed difference on the specific desktop system that you have, with a specific PCI Express -x16 video card, we show a 'do-it-yourself' way, as on the image below -

By covering a large part of the slot of a PCI Express -x16 card, when the card is plugged on a motherboard, it will be forced to operate in '-x1' mode.

Again, for details and test results, please check the article on our web site.

Best regards,

Paul Arssov.                      ARS Technologies Inc. / www.arstech.com